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Following the National Dialogue on the Preferred Electoral System held at the Bintumani International Conference Centre, youth advocate, Amb. Cherinor Moseray has raised concerns regarding the lack of youth representation in discussions that will shape Sierra Leone’s electoral future.
The event, part of the Tripartite Committee Recommendations (Recommendation 78), aimed to evaluate two electoral systems: the District Proportional Representation System and the First-Past-The-Post System.
Despite the presence of many young attendees, Moseray noted a troubling absence of youth voices in the panel discussions. He remarked, “There was no youth representation on the panel, nor were there position papers or official recommendations from youth-led organizations or the National Youth Council.”
He asserted that the exclusion is particularly alarming given that electoral processes have a direct impact on young people, who are often the most vulnerable during electoral violence.
Moseray emphasized the need for young people to be recognized as “leaders of now,” asserting that their creativity and innovation are essential for national development. He expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity to include youth in the conversation about their future.
In his call to action, Moseray urged the Secretariat on the Implementation of the Tripartite Recommendations to actively involve more youth groups, the National Youth Council, and relevant youth-focused organizations in future dialogues and decision-making platforms.
He also called for the conveners of the national event to issue a public acknowledgment and apology for excluding youth representation in such a critical engagement. He further urged Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, and international partners supporting Sierra Leone’s electoral reform process to take note of this gap and work towards inclusive mechanisms moving forward.
Moseray also highlighted the importance of implementing specific recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report, particularly the proposed 10% quota for youth appointments in all governance structures and a 2% quota for persons with disabilities.
